Reimagining Progress in a Turbulent World: The UAE and Beyond
By Ben Caselin, VALR CMO
The world is in turmoil. Geopolitical rivalries, economic volatility, and social divides—from Europe’s migration crises to U.S.-China trade tensions—signal a shifting world order. Yet, seen with the eyes of hope, this upheaval is an opportunity. Certain nations stand out, boldly reimagining their futures through innovation and human-centric values. The United Arab Emirates, Singapore, El Salvador, and Bhutan exemplify this drive, each addressing unique challenges with shared principles: visionary leadership, regulatory clarity, and inclusive progress. While imperfect, their efforts offer lessons for a fractured world. I see these efforts reflecting universal truths of justice, service, and humanity’s oneness, with the potential to guide humanity towards a more balanced future.
The UAE: Unity and Innovation
Since 1971, the UAE has transformed from a modest federation into a global hub, uniting over 200 nationalities under equitable laws fostering safety (Numbeo Safety Index 2023). Its space program, including the Hope Mars Mission (2020), prioritizes human potential. Led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the UAE blends cultural harmony with innovation across Emirates, from Abu Dhabi’s heritage to Dubai’s business hub.
With respect to crypto, the UAE leads. The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), launched in 2022 as the first crypto-specific regulator, builds trust, drawing innovators to global events like Token 2049. Blockchain enhances real estate transparency via the Dubai Land Department (2020), and the Central Bank’s digital dirham, planned for 2025, aims to modernize finance. Despite legitimate labor rights concerns, the UAE’s uniform legal system reflects fairness.
Balancing Technology and Well-Being
The UAE’s vision balances technology and human well-being. Sustainability drives COP 28 (2023) and $50 billion in renewable investments by 2030. The Minister of State for Happiness (2016) seeks to promote universal well-being. Humanitarian aid, including $700 million for Gaza’s hospitals (2023) and Turkey’s earthquake relief, flows systematically. The 2020 Abraham Accords with Israel facilitate Gaza aid, fostering regional stability. Expo 2020, uniting 192 nations, embodied collaboration.
Global Pioneers: Singapore, El Salvador & Bhutan
Others share this spirit. Singapore’s fintech sandbox (2016) and meritocratic governance make it a crypto leader, mirroring UAE’s clarity. El Salvador’s Bitcoin adoption (2021), under Nayib Bukele, boosts financial access via Bitcoin Beach, while anti-gang policies reportedly cut homicides by 50% (2019-2023). Bhutan, prioritizing Gross National Happiness since 1972, funds development through Bitcoin mining with hydropower, partnering with Bitdeer (2023) for sustainable expansion. These nations align with the UAE’s tech-friendly drive for social good, unlike Europe’s regulatory delays (MiCA, 2024), migration tensions, and “war on cash” raising privacy concerns.
Shared Principles of Progress
What unites these nations? Visionary leadership—Sheikh Mohammed, Lee Kuan Yew, Bukele, Bhutan’s monarchy—drives innovation with justice. Forward-looking regulators, like VARA or Singapore’s Monetary Authority, balance freedom and accountability. Inclusivity, from UAE’s diversity to Bhutan’s happiness metrics, fosters trust and optimism. These principles, rooted in service and unity, counter polarization and are replicable by any nation willing to prioritize collective progress over self-serving policies.
A Call To Courage
This turbulent era is a chance for reinvention. The UAE, Singapore, El Salvador, and Bhutan show courage in bringing together technology and human values, and are positioned to chart a new future. Beyond finance, blockchain aligns systems with fairness, transparency and interconnectedness. I believe economies must reflect justice, service, and our shared humanity, not dominance. The example set by these nations urge us all to seize this moment to reimagine progress with hope and unity for a better world.H
About the author
Ben Caselin is Chief Marketing Officer at VALR.com, the Pantera-backed crypto exchange. Headquartered in Johannesburg and the largest exchange by trade volume on the African continent, VALR serves over 1300 corporate and professional investors and more than 1.3 million traders worldwide. Drawing on years of experience in the digital asset space, mostly in Hong Kong, Dubai, and now South Africa, Ben focuses primarily on driving the adoption of bitcoin in emerging markets and advocates for an approach to innovation based on spiritual principles.
Risk Disclosure
Trading or investing in crypto assets is risky and may result in the loss of capital as the value may fluctuate. VALR (Pty) Ltd is a licensed financial services provider (FSP #53308).
Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are the personal views of the author and should not form the basis for making investment decisions, nor be construed as a recommendation or advice to engage in investment transactions.
